Radiohead

Radiohead avatar image
checked
Lucky album cover

Lucky

Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'm on a roll
I'm on a roll this time
I feel my luck could change
Kill me, Sarah
Kill me again with love
It's gonna be a glorious day

[Chorus]
Pull me out of the aircrash
Pull me out of the lake
'Cause I'm your superhero
We are standing on the edge
[Verse 2]
The head of state
Has called for me by name
But I don't have time for him
It's gonna be a glorious day
I feel my luck could change
[Chorus]
Pull me out of the aircrash
Pull me out of the lake
'Cause I'm your superhero
We are standing on the edge
[Guitar Solo]

[Outro]
We are standing on the edge

Radiohead image

Radiohead is one of the most iconic bands of the 1990s and beyond, with their complex compositions and deep, introspective lyrics capturing the attention of listeners from all over the world. The song "Lucky" is a particularly poignant example of the band's unique style, embodying a sense of unease and despair that is all too rare in modern music.

About Lucky

"Lucky" was first recorded during the Bosnian conflict of the 1990s and was intended to be included on "The Help Album," a relief record aimed at raising funds for the victims of the war. Although the song was originally intended to be politically explicit, it ended up being a reflection of Thom Yorke's personal fears, particularly his fear of long-distance travel. As a result, the lyrics took on a more personal tone, describing a plane crash and the thoughts and feelings of those involved.

Despite the change of focus, "Lucky" remains an important social and political statement in its own right. The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics capture the sense of loss and hopelessness that pervaded the world during the Bosnian conflict, while also speaking to the broader themes of fear, mortality, and the fragility of life.

Throughout the song, Yorke's vocals are characteristically emotive, shifting between whispers and screams as he sings lines like "pull me out of the aircrash" and "we're not scaremongering, this is really happening." Meanwhile, the instrumentation is intricate yet understated, with layers of guitar, drums, and electronica creating an immersive and atmospheric soundscape.

As Nigel Godrich has noted, "Lucky" was a turning point in Radiohead's career, both in terms of its subject matter and its musical style. The song's completion marked the beginning of the "OK Computer" era, a period characterized by complex compositions and an exploration of themes related to technology, isolation, and politics.

Today, "Lucky" remains one of Radiohead's most beloved and enduring songs, hailed as a masterpiece of modern rock and a testament to the band's creative genius. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Radiohead, this haunting and evocative song is sure to leave a lasting impression.

  • Release Date: September 9, 1995
  • Artist: Radiohead